Life-saving defibrillators now installed across TransPennine Express fleet
TransPennine Express (TPE) has completed the installation of life-saving defibrillators across its fleet of 51 Class 185 trains.
Siemens Mobility fitted the devices on behalf of TPE at their Ardwick Traincare Facility in Manchester.
The defibrillators, which can be used by both staff and passengers in the event of a cardiac arrest are housed in emergency equipment cupboards located in the middle of each train.
Bushra Khan, Head of Engineering at TransPennine Express, said: “Our defibrillators are a huge benefit to both our customers and the communities we serve. Their presence on board helps ensure that people travelling with us feel safe, knowing this vital equipment is available in the event of an emergency.”
Each defibrillator provides clear, spoken instructions to guide users through the process. The built-in technology analyses the heart rhythm of a person in distress and automatically delivers an electric shock if needed, potentially saving lives.
Sambit Banerjee, Joint CEO of Siemens Mobility UK & Ireland, commented: “As part of our mission to transform rail travel, it’s great to see that the skilled team at our Ardwick Traincare Facility in Manchester have completed the installation of life-saving defibrillators on our Class 185 trains for the benefit of train crew and passengers.”
The defibrillators were purchased from the British Heart Foundation charity who are the biggest independent funder of heart and circulatory research in the UK.
Estelle Stephenson, Head of Health Partnerships and Community Resuscitation at the BHF said: “There are over 30,000 out of hospital cardiac arrests in the UK each year, and fewer than one in 10 people survive. Whilst shocking, survival rates more than double with quick and early CPR and defibrillation.
“Every second matters when it comes to a cardiac arrest, which is why we're proud to have supplied TransPennine Express with defibrillators installed on 51 trains. These lifesaving devices are now ready to help someone during the ultimate medical emergency."
Defibrillators are also in place on TPE’s Nova 1 trains.